Here is a sample list — by no means mutually exclusive or exhaustive — of what you might learn about yourself and your risk factors from the experience of working for different kinds of bosses:

Extrapunitive types:
Excitable — or Volatile Guardian: Working for such a person is particularly challenging for anyone who likes to work in a stable, predictable environment.Cautious — or Sensitive Retirer: Anyone who requires close collaboration with, and public recognition from, their supervisor should avoid this kind of boss.Skeptical — or Wary Watcher: If having a trusting and open relationship with your boss and a strong network across the organization is important to you, avoid skeptical bosses.Leisurely — or Rationalizing Blamer: If it’s important to you that your boss has a good relationship with, and support from, his or her superiors, it’s generally better to steer clear of leisurely bosses.

Impunitive types:
Bold — or Big Person on Campus: Anyone who needs warmth and support from a boss or manager should avoid this kind of manager, who is likely to be highly self-interested and self-involved.Mischievous — or High Wire Walker: Anyone who requires a boss who demonstrates a high degree of trustworthiness and integrity should avoid this kind of manager at almost any cost.Reserved — or Indifferent Daydreamer: People who want team spirit under a boss who is “present” and provides positive feedback may be particularly vulnerable to disappointment if they work for a reserved boss.Colorful — or Thespian: If drama in life or work makes you uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to audition other bosses instead of taking a role under the direction of a “thespian,” since people who work for this kind of boss will likely experience interludes of terrifying theatrics.Imaginative — or Assertive Daydreamer: If you want a warm, connected, and “present” boss, this type is not likely to be a good fit for you, since he will live mainly in his own head.
Intropunitive types:
Diligent — or Micromanager: If you bristle at an overbearing, command-and-control management style, then probably the last kind of boss you want would be a “diligent” type.Dutiful — or Martyr: If you want a boss who is comfortable taking credit for him- or herself and his or her team, a dutiful boss will likely make you feel undercredited and underappreciated by the rest of the organization.